7.10.2013

One thing we love to do each year is to pick our pumpkins! While we were here we were lucky enough to find an awesome farm to go to. It has a ton of pumpkins, a huge orchard and a great store with all homemade and home jar'd goods. I especially love the apple cider donuts!! Divine! This year we got to take Nana, Papa and Lins along with us. I think West's favorite part would have to be the gigantic furry caterpillar he found with Dad. Just another fun day with the family! Well...until West went in time out and caught me taking a photo him and his cute frowney face! Oh well.

It's not often that Nana and Papa make it out together to Philly. But last fall they came out to visit and we had such a blast. Our first big trip was to Shady Brook farms to get pumpkins since it was just in time for Halloween. We also got to sneak over to the berry vines and get some last call picks even though they said they were all out. But the kids just loved it. The bouncy play-yard, the goats, the ropes, bouncy house and race track. It's nothing but the best when the grandparents are on the scene! Those kids were beat by the time we left. Just ask Maggie! Poor thing passed out in the swing just before we left. Awake to snoozing in 5 seconds! We just wish that Daddy could have been there with us. But someone's got to pay the bills! Sorry Dad!

I'm not quite sure why 30 is such a big deal. You go from sweet 16, to 18, to 21. But why 30? Why not 20 or 40!? Regardless, it's still a big marker in life. And one thatI was glad to make a semi-big deal about for Derek. But with his schedule and lack of a social life I knew a party was out of the questions. And let's be honest, he's not one of those guys. One of those "It's all about me" guys. He's your average joe. Your run of the mill sports fan, semi-athletic and hard working man. So I thought I'd play on those hear t strings instead.

Thirty balloons, thirty photos an thirty memories to sum up our lives together from the very first "glance"! And I'll tell you what, it was pretty darn perfect. Just like him. A night to remember his life and all the most cherished moments. ANd since I wasn't around for all 30 I got some help. Some loving memories from his family on the back of old photos. It was all pretty great. And to top it all off, homemade potato gnocchi, homemade salted caramel cake and entertainment for the wee ones for weeks on end! It was pretty perfect.